Abstract

The National Field Manual for the Collection of Water-Quality Data (National Field Manual) provides guidelines and standard procedures for U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) personnel who collect data used to assess the quality of the Nation's surface-water and ground-water resources. This chapter addresses field-trip preparations, including selection of sample-collection sites for studies of surface-water quality, site reconnaissance and well selection for studies of ground-water quality, and the establishment of electronic files and field files and folders for a sampling site.

Each chapter of the National Field Manual is published separately and revised periodically. Newly published and revised chapters are posted on the World Wide Web on the USGS page "National Field Manual for the Collection of Water-Quality Data."
The URL for this page is http://pubs.water.usgs.gov/twri9A/ (accessed Jan. 31, 2005).

Sections of Chapter A1:

Abstract

Introduction

Purpose and scope

Requirements and recommendations

Field manual review and revision

Acknowledgments

1.0 Field-personnel responsibilities

1.1 Field-trip preparations

1.1.1 Checklists of equipment, supplies, and activities

1.1.2 Data-quality plans and preparations

1.2 Surface water

1.2.1 Selection of sampling sites

1.2.1.A Flowing-water sites

1.2.1.B Still-water sites

1.2.2 National Water Information System (NWIS) files and field folders

1.2.2.A NWIS files

1.2.2.B Field folders

1.3 Ground water

1.3.1 Site reconnaissance and well selection

1.3.2 National Water Information system (NWIS) files; well files; and field folders